Russian officials are blaming suicide bombers for twin attacks in the Republic of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus region, killing at least 13 people and wounded more than 100 others.

Authorities said the first blast involved a car, which exploded as police approached it at a check point in Makhachkala, Dagestan's capital. The second explosion occurred as emergency responders arrived on the scene of the initial blast. The explosions ignited fires, which damaged several other vehicles.

Police have been targets of similar attacks in Dagestan by Islamist insurgents.

Last March, a double suicide bombing killed at least 40 people in Moscow. The two women responsible for the subway attacks were from Dagestan.

Russia has battled Islamist insurgency attacks on police and government officials in the North Caucasus region where there are nearly daily attacks on government officials.